MDTriGuy

Used this on a solo trip through the Smokey Mtns. for a week and it proved to be great. The bottom cover has a 1 cup marking for measuring water - great for single servings of trail meals - and the cup itself has a two cup measuring mark for larger trail meals. Did not actually cook in it as I did not want to have to clean it but another hiker I ran into was cooking in it and said it cleaned well but his Ramen Noodles were leaving a soup taste that he could smell when he was drinking cocoa out of it. Only downfalls I could find are the obvious boil over issue and in temps below freezing it did take a bit longer to boil water. I would have serious concerns with using this at altitude and in in very cold weather. Get the stabilizer that clips on the bottom and you will eliminate the worry of finding a flat spot to cook. I am heading out with a group in a few weeks and will be getting a companion cup and French Press that will fit the bill nicely. All in all a great stove that you will find very user friendly.

Took a short hike in 3in snow this weekend with air temp around 20deg and my feet were nice and toasty. Waded a small creek and feet were bone dry and warm. Comfortable to hike in, had the top lace a bit too tight at first and had some shin rub but fixed that right away and all was good. These are great for winter hiking, shoveling the snow, sledding, or kicking it around town. I even tried them with my crampons and my snowshoes and they performed great.

I figured I had to join the softshell crazy and my decision to buy this jacket was a good one. Warm, comfortable, stretchy, and waterproof. Good venting, lots of pockets, and very stylish. Comfortable with a pack on or just to kick around town in. Wish it had hook and loop closure on the cuffs and the internal lining is a bit grabby forcing you to hold onto your shirt cuffs like a grade schooler. Overall a great jacket.

Finally have had some cold weather to test this jacket. VERY warm, light, and compressible. Took my kids sledding last night and was too warm. It started to sleet a bit and the down quickly compressed from the precipitation and from my body sweat so future venting will be crucial. Great for camp or rest breaks - I would be concerned about hiking or climbing in this jacket.....unless it was well below freezing.